Raiders well positioned for bounce-back year under Jon Gruden

Of the seven teams which will have new head coaches for the 2018 season, the Raiders appear to be the best bet for a bounce-back season after falling to 6-10 in 2017 under Jack Del Rio.

Coach Jon Gruden not only has a quarterback who was a potential MVP candidate two seasons ago, but a talented roster that includes key performers along the offensive line and on the defensive edge.

A look at what the new coaches are inheriting in 2018, ranked in order of their potential for success:

Coach: Jon Gruden (replaces Jack Del Rio)

Last three seasons: 6-10 in 2017; 12-4 in 2016; 7-9 in 2015.

Incumbent quarterback: Derek Carr.

Outlook: The most talented roster out of teams with new coaches, particularly in the middle of the offensive line (Kelechi Osemele, Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson) and at edge rusher (Khalil Mack). Gruden comes along at the perfect time for Carr, who can use some continuity, guidance and tough love. If Gruden can weed out whatever was wrong with the Raiders DNA a year ago, going from 6-10 to 10-6 seems a reasonable expectation. Health permitting, the draft could get a jolt from Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu, who were injury washouts after being the top two picks a year ago.

Outlook: The clock is ticking for McDaniels, assuming the Patriots offensive coordinator takes over after the Super Bowl. He’ll get Luck after an entire year off, presumably healthy, and looking to build on a 2016 season in which he had 31 TD passes and 13 interceptions. Paramount for McDaniels is to build a system which minimizes Luck’s risks in the pocket. Luck is 28, but he’s taken the beating of a quarterback in his 30s.

Outlook: Will the Lions ever get their act together and put a running back who can chew up some yards alongside Stafford? It’s been Thanksigving of 2013 since Reggie Bush broke 100 yards for the Lions, who ranked 32nd in rushing last season and couldn’t get any of their regularly-utilized backs over 4.0 yards per carry. Defense has some keepers in corner Darius Slay, safety Quinn Glover and edge player Ezekiel Ansah, assuming he’s locked up before free agency. Interesting to see Patricia’s vision of the offense, given his defensive backround with Bill Belichick and the Patriots.

Outlook: Whether Mariota will ever be enough to pull the Titans from the barely-above-mediocre range will be determined by Vrabel, who really has no background developing quarterbacks although he did rub shoulders with Tom Brady in New England. A good offensive line should keep the Titans competitive, although it’s hard to see them being an 11- or 12-win team.

Outlook: Comes built in with a young quarterback, and Nagy’s tenure will be defined by whether he and offensive coodinator Mark Helfrich can get productivity from Trubisky and if the no-huddle system will fly in the midwest. Expectations are exceedingly low, which can be a good thing if the Bears can generate any kind of an offense. Vic Fangio is regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive coordinators, but he’s not being furnished with the talent he had with the 49ers.

Outlook: Well, what do we have here? An offensive-minded head coach, an established veteran quarterback and a pick high enough for that veteran to tutor someone like Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold or Josh Allen for a year or two. Just as important will be the Giants putting together a wall for whoever that new quarterback is so he can remain upright long enough to find Odell Beckham Jr. open downfield.

Outlook: Interesting move to hire a defensive coach in Wilks, with the Cardinals playing to their strengths with the likes of edge rusher Chandler Jones (17 sacks) to go along with secondary mainstays Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathiew. With Carson Palmer retired and no picks until the middle of Round 1, Arizona will be quarterback shopping in the offseason. Might be interested in scooping up whatever becomes available from the Teddy Bridgewater, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford logjam or inserting Alex Smith as a caretaker quarterback once he’s free of the Chiefs.